Chapter 31—Covetousness
I saw Satan and his angels consulting together. He bade his an-
gels go and lay their snares especially for those who were looking for
Christ’s second appearing, and who were keeping all God’s command-
ments. Satan told his angels that the churches were all asleep. He
would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them.
But the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate. They are continually working
against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep that hated law of
God.
Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares.
If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we
have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them
care more for money than the success of Christ’s kingdom, or the
spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the
most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep
all the means in our ranks we can. The more means they have, the
more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. And as
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they appoint meetings in different places, then we are in danger. Be
very vigilant then. Cause all the distraction you can. Destroy love
for each other. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate
them. Hold up every plausible excuse to those that have means, lest
they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their
ministers to want, and distress. This will weaken their courage and
zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of
earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these
traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd all you can around
them to attract them, and they will be surely ours. Not only are we
sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised toward
others to lead them to heaven. And those who shall attempt to give,
put within them a grudging disposition, that it may be sparingly.
I saw that Satan carried out his plans well. And as the servants
of God appointed meetings, Satan and his angels understood their
business, and were on the ground to hinder the work of God, and he was
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